The Democratic Party Civil War Over Mamdani and the DSA Wins

Jun 25, 2026

Democrats are openly fighting over a leftward, anti-Israel surge in the party — bad news for the centrist establishment, good news for the DSA wing now riding election wins in New York City.

  • After DSA-backed candidates swept New York races, party elders like James Carville and former DNC chair Jamie Harrison called for a split, telling the left to leave or build their own party.
  • The fight centers on Gaza and Israel, with the base overwhelmingly critical of Israel while elected leaders stay loyal to donors and AIPAC money.
  • Critics smeared progressives like Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander as antisemites, but heavily Jewish NYC districts voted for them anyway.
  • Even Joe Scarborough broke ranks, blaming rising antisemitism on Netanyahu's war in Gaza rather than on the left.
  • Some moderate House Democrats are so alarmed they are reportedly talking to donors about leaving the party.

Outlook: The party looks set for a deeper reckoning heading into the midterms, with the activist left gaining ground and centrists on the defensive.

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